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Mel Schilling, the relationship expert from Married At First Sight, has expressed her optimism and confidence about the future despite her battle with colon cancer. The 52-year-old Australian revealed her diagnosis in December and underwent surgery and chemotherapy after experiencing symptoms while filming the Australian edition of the show. Serving as an ambassador for the colorectal charity Occtopus, Mel shared details of her 90-minute keyhole surgery under general anesthesia and spinal block, followed by a five-day hospital stay. Remarkably, she quickly resumed her normal eating and bathroom habits post-operation, and returned to work part-time just three weeks later. Although she acknowledges experiencing some fatigue, bloating, and nausea due to chemotherapy, Mel maintains a positive outlook with her energy levels at about 70%. She remains hopeful and confident about her prognosis and the future ahead.

Married At First Sight's relationship expert Mel Schilling, 52,  has said she is 'feeling positive and confident about the future' amid her battle with colon cancer  (pictured in January)
Mel Schilling, the 52-year-old relationship expert from Married At First Sight, has expressed her optimism and confidence about the future amidst her battle with colon cancer (pictured in January).
The Aussie announced she'd  been diagnosed with the disease in December and underwent surgery as well as chemotherapy

The Aussie announced she’d  been diagnosed with the disease in December and underwent surgery as well as chemotherapy

Speaking on Heart Breakfast with Jamie Theakston and Amanda Holden earlier this month, Mel once again opened up about her current feelings. She expressed that she was “doing well” and mentioned having a week off from chemotherapy, which boosted her energy. Mel clarified that the type of chemotherapy she is undergoing doesn’t typically cause sickness or hair loss but has resulted in “tingly fingers.” Jamie commended Mel’s honesty in sharing her cancer diagnosis with her fans and inquired about her well-being. Mel responded with gratitude, stating, “I’m doing well. So this is currently a week off in my chemo cycles, which is why I’ve got quite a lot of energy today. I’m doing well. Thank you.” Jamie also asked about Mel’s experience with chemotherapy, recalling his mother’s challenging journey with it.

Mel, now an ambassador for the colorectal charity Occtopus, informed PA that her surgery was a 90-minute keyhole procedure performed under general anesthesia and spinal block.

Continuing, she remarked, “I’d estimate my energy levels are currently at about 70% due to the chemotherapy, and I’m encountering some fatigue, bloating, and nausea, although nothing overly burdensome. Thankfully, my prognosis is promising, and I maintain a positive and confident outlook towards the future.”

“It’s probably not the typical demographic you’d anticipate seeing on Married at First Sight or any reality TV show, for that matter.

“It’s a different kind of individual, and I believe many in our audience will find it highly relatable. I anticipate viewers will perceive the upcoming UK season from a fresh perspective.”

This comes after Mel shared the ordeal she endured before her cancer diagnosis.

In an interview with new! magazine last month, Mel recounted the excruciating pain she experienced while at work, stating, “I was doubled over and shouting – the pain was so intense.”

Initially, her doctors attributed her symptoms to constipation, but her concerns escalated when she began losing her appetite.

During a trip to Ireland with her husband Gareth, Mel described being in “so much pain” and struggling to keep food or water down.

Speaking on Heart Breakfast with Jamie Theakston and Amanda Holden on earlier this month, Mel again opened up about how she has been feeling

During a recent appearance on Heart Breakfast with Jamie Theakston and Amanda Holden, Mel once again shared insights into her current state of mind.

Sensing something was still amiss, she sought out a gastroenterologist upon returning to London, who expressed concern over her unexplained weight loss.

After undergoing a CT scan, Mel returned a few days later for the results, recalling the heartbreaking moment she received her cancer diagnosis.

“We were sitting in his office, and the doctor had a blank expression. I thought, ‘This doesn’t seem right,’ and then he said, ‘It’s cancer.’ I think I was numb; I didn’t fully grasp it, and I immediately switched into work mode. That’s all I could focus on,” she shared.

The reality TV host revealed her unexpected health battle in December and underwent colon surgery just before the year’s end.

She explained that her tumor, affectionately named ‘Terry,’ was successfully removed by doctors in the UK. However, upon discovering that the cancer had spread through her colon into the muscle, Mel learned that chemotherapy was necessary and commenced treatment at the end of February.

COLON CANCER: WHAT ARE THE WARNING SIGNS?

Bowel, or colorectal, cancer affects the large bowel, comprising the colon and rectum. These tumors typically arise from pre-cancerous growths known as polyps.

Symptoms include:

  • Bleeding from the bottom
  • Blood in stools
  • A change in bowel habits lasting at least three weeks
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Extreme, unexplained tiredness
  • Abdominal pain

While the precise cause is often unclear, individuals face a higher risk if they:

  • Are over 50
  • Have a family history of the condition
  • Have a personal history of polyps in their bowel
  • Suffer from inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease
  • Lead an unhealthy lifestyle

Treatment typically involves surgery, along with chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

More than nine out of ten individuals diagnosed with stage 1 bowel cancer survive five years or more after diagnosis. Unfortunately, only around a third of all colorectal cancers are diagnosed at this early stage.

Most people seek medical attention when the disease has advanced beyond the colon or rectum wall or has spread to distant body parts, reducing the chances of successful colon cancer treatment.

According to Bowel Cancer UK, over 41,200 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer annually in the UK. In the US, it affects approximately 40 individuals per 100,000 adults each year, as per the National Cancer Institute.

Feel free to share or comment on this article: Mel Schilling from Married at First Sight expresses positivity and confidence about the future as she updates on her health amid her colon cancer battle.
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